Favorites of The Week 002

Favorite Show: Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt

If you haven’t seen this Tina Fey/Netflix original, do yourself a huge favor and check it out right now. I mean like now, while you’re at your desk pretending to do work. Yeah I see you. Just open up a new tab and get your laughs. The plot of Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt reads something like a Lifetime movie but being the brainchild of Tina Fey and Co. it is anything but: Kimmy Schmidt, one of the “mole women” being recently freed from a cult run by a manipulative and controlling religious leader (ripped from the pages of the HuffPost) finds herself grappling with the limitations of a middle school education in a strange new world. Let me just tell you, the title of the show may be Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt but without a shadow of a doubt the star of this show is Titus Andromedon. Titus is the gay black friend you didn’t know you were missing. A cross between Nene Leakes and Jack from Will and Grace, Titus delivers punch lines with sass and one liners to keep you giggling til dawn. Watch if you like:30 Rock, The Real Housewives of Anywhere and Everywhere.

Favorite Podcast: Guys We F*****

You may or may not already be on the podcast train but if you haven’t, let me just tell you, podcasts are the next big thing. It may seem like a step backwards since we left radio in the dark ages but there’s just something incredibly stimulating about audio storytelling. Just a warning: this podcast is explicit. This is not for super saints or the prude at heart. This is for the liberal, progressive individual who believes in having open and honest discussions about what is natural. Sex is one of those natural things. I’ve been listening to this podcast for a few months now and even had the pleasure of meeting these amazing gals at a comedy show. Krystyna Hutchinson and Corinne Fisher are spunky, real and downright hilarious which makes sense considering they are both full fledged comedians. I don’t always agree with their opinions but in their most recent episode the ladies of Sorry About Last Night shared rape statistics and stories of rape sent in by their listeners in the wake of the Stanford rape case. They shared poignant opinions on rape walking that delicate line of addressing rape culture and it’s repercussions while reminding people that this isn’t an anti-men movement but an anti-rape movement. I love this podcast because it opens my mind to distinct possibilities ridding me of hatred, bigotry and casting unreasonable judgment upon others. Listen if you like: HBO’s Girls, Not Safe Podcast with Nikki Glasser

Favorite Dish: Shark Empanadas from Arepas Café

Okay so that’s shameful of me to be talking about empanadas from an arepas spot but guess what? #IAintSorry. Lordy, who knew Jaws could be so yummy. My fear of sharks prevents me from participating in shark week but my stomach has no qualms about it. It eats what it pleases, fear be damned. The shark empanadas are crispy on the outside flavorful and fluffy on the inside. If you’ve an hour of lunch time with $5 to spare make your way to Arepas Café in Astoria for what is sure to satisfy your hunger. Oh and believe me 5 empanadas are enough. I made the mistake of ordering a double batch because I like to eat with my eyes rather than my sense. Try the jamon y queso arepa why you’re there. It’s one of their specialities.